The Top Weight

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 Excerpt: … thought better of it and checked himself. Where did you meet him?
As I was driving on the Marine Parade.
And you spoke to him?
He recognized me, raised his hat, and I pulled up.
I hate the fellow, said Purves. What did Rushdon mean by speaking to Tilda after what had passed between them? I like him. He is a fine, handsome man, she said. He is no friend of mine.
I thought he disliked me, but I do not think he does, said Tilda. I should not have much to say to him if I were you, said her father. I hear he treated that governess badly; there was something shady about it.
He merely amused himself with her; she could not expect anything else in her position.
Don’t allow him to amuse himself with you.
I can take care of myself, she said. Besides, it is different in my case. I am not a governess.
You are a very pretty girl, Tilda, he said admiringly. Do you really think so?
I do, there is no mistake about it.
Why cannot you and Mr. Rushdon make it up, and be friends? she asked. It is impossible; he grossly insulted me.
Perhaps you were in fault too, she said. That makes no difference. I cannot forget his conduct, said Purves. Supposing he likes me very much, in time, and I like him–what then? she asked. You don’t mean to say you’d throw yourself away on a fellow like Rushdon! exclaimed her father. He’s more than twice your age.
I have not decided what I shall do yet, it has not come to that; but I like him, and I mean to know more about him, said Tilda. I will h…